Summary
Waterfalls are a prominent part of the Yosemite landscape, cascading over glacier-carved cliffs into the valley below.
Some waterfalls flow year-round, although the volume can vary significantly. In spring, melting snow fills these streams, and during particularly wet years, Yosemite Falls alone can echo throughout the valley with its impressive roar. The spring runoff usually concludes by May or June.
As summer approaches, many falls, including Yosemite Falls, may dwindle to a trickle or completely dry up by August. Nevertheless, autumn storms can sometimes prompt a temporary resurgence in their flow.
In winter, the falls often accumulate frost along their edges, giving the appearance of freezing solid.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls stands as the most breathtaking waterfall in Yosemite, showcasing an iconic sight within Yosemite Valley. This impressive double waterfall descends the cliff face in several sections: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet).
The total height from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower one is 2,425 feet (739 m), which ranks it as the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth-highest globally, assuming the three falls are considered as one entity.
During the summer months, Yosemite Falls often goes nearly dry, whereas in the cold of winter, it can ice over completely. This beautiful site can generate enough spray to create rainbows, sometimes even producing an unusual frozen phenomenon known as frazil ice.
Additionally, Yosemite Falls can create a remarkable “moonbow” when illuminated by a full moon, a rare occurrence that many photographers treasure, despite it being nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Visitors can appreciate Yosemite Falls from various locations in Yosemite Valley, and a well-marked trail leads to its base. A visit to Glacier Point also offers stunning views of the waterfall.
For the adventurous, a hike to the top of the falls entails a challenging 7.2-mile round trip with a 1,000-foot elevation gain, rewarding hikers with magnificent vistas.
01 of 08
Bridalveil Fall
Located near the entrance to the Yosemite Valley directly across from El Capitan, Bridalveil is the first waterfall most visitors encounter. Standing at 617 feet (188 meters), it flows throughout the year.
On windy days, the water may appear to be falling sideways, earning it the name Pohono, or Spirit of the Puffing Wind, from the Ahwahneechee Native Americans. The mist produced often gives it the resemblance of a bride’s veil.
Bridalveil is visible from the valley floor, with nearby parking making access easy for visitors to walk closer. Though the trail to its base is only a few minutes long, it does feature a steep incline reaching up to 24% slope.
Moreover, Bridalveil is also visible from Tunnel View along Wawona Road (Highway 41).
02 of 08
Horsetail Fall
This slender waterfall often runs dry for much of the year. However, when it flows (December through April), you can observe its distinct horsetail shape.
During sunset, when the sun positions correctly, Horsetail Falls glows a vibrant orange, particularly noted in mid to late February. This natural phenomenon is often referred to as the “firefall.” It is important to note that this should not be confused with the historical practice of pushing a flaming campfire over the edge of Glacier Point, which ceased in 1968 due to concerns regarding its appropriateness for a national park environment.
Well-known photographer Galen Rowell captured the first prominent image of the natural firefall phenomenon in 1973. Today, with so many photographers vying for the perfect shot, finding a good vantage point to set up your tripod can be challenging.
Horsetail Falls is situated on the east side of El Capitan and can be observed from the El Capitan picnic area on Northside Drive or from turnouts just east of the picnic area.
03 of 08
Sentinel Falls
Sentinel Falls is visible from the Yosemite Valley, located just west of Sentinel Rock.
This waterfall typically flows from March through June, cascading down from its height of 2,000 feet in multiple stages. Although it stands among the tallest waterfalls globally, it is often overshadowed by the more famous Yosemite Falls.
You can view Sentinel Falls from the valley along Southside Drive near the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area and the Four Mile Trailhead. Additionally, it can be seen from across the valley near Leidig Meadow or while hiking along the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail.
04 of 08
Ribbon Fall
Ribbon Fall is a seasonal waterfall, typically flowing from March through June.
Visible from the road into Yosemite Valley, this stunning waterfall spans 1,612 feet as it tumbles off the cliff on the west side of El Capitan, making it the largest single-drop waterfall in North America.
05 of 08
Nevada Fall
Nevada Fall stands at 594 feet. Nevertheless, the Merced River, which supplies it, flows constantly throughout the year. It is easily recognized next to Liberty Cap, a nearby granite dome. The distinctive bend in the waterfall is produced by the water crashing against slick rocks.
This impact aerates the water, giving it a frothy appearance. The term “Nevada” translates to “snow-covered” in Spanish, whereas the native people referred to it as Yo-wy-we, reflecting the shape of the falling water.
Between Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall (downstream), you can glimpse the picturesque Emerald Pool. The entire expanse of waterfalls resembles a giant staircase, a view easily captured from Glacier Point, despite the distance.
06 of 08
Vernal Falls
Vernal Falls stands at a height of only 317 feet, yet it flows all year. In late summer, the cascade may break apart, presenting the appearance of several smaller falls.
Visitors can view it from Glacier Point or opt for a moderate to strenuous hike from the Happy Isles shuttle stop at the end of Yosemite Valley. A shorter walk of approximately 3/4 mile (1.3 km) will provide a decent view without the need to complete the entire hike.
07 of 08
Wapama Falls
To see Wapama Falls, visitors must drive to Hetch Hetchy. This stunning waterfall is 1,400 feet tall and flows year-round. From the parking lot at O’Shaughnessy Dam, visitors can admire the majestic cascade.
Wapama Falls uniquely drops almost straight into the lake, creating a breathtaking sight.
To the left of Wapama Falls is Tueeulela Falls, which stands at 880 feet tall, less than Wapama but with a longer free-fall distance.
The trail offers access to both waterfalls; however, guests should be prepared for some uneven terrain. The hike involves crossing the dam and traversing a tunnel before continuing along the lakeside path. The round-trip distance is approximately 5.5 miles, with minimal elevation change.
08 of 08
Chilnualna Falls
Chilnualna Falls, located in the Wawona section of Yosemite, boasts a height of 2,200 feet and flows year-round. However, most visitors seldom see it due to its remote location away from the road and the steep hike required to reach the top.
This strenuous hike spans 8.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet. The trail begins at the Chilnualna Falls parking area, located approximately two miles up Chilnualna Falls Road, branching off Wawona Road near the Big Trees Lodge (Wawona Hotel).
The surrounding rock formations make it impossible to view the entire waterfall in one glance.
